Abstract: Various embodiments of a swab device, system, and method are provided for measuring and assessing saliva flow in the mouth of a person. In one embodiment, a system includes a swab device and a measuring device. The swab device includes a handle portion and a swab portion, the handle portion being elongated to extend between a proximal end and a distal end. The swab portion is coupled to a distal portion of the handle portion and is sized and configured to collect saliva from the mouth. The measuring device is sized and configured to measure an amount of the saliva collected with the swab portion, the measuring device including a nesting portion integrated therewith. Such nesting portion of the measuring device is sized and configured to receive the proximal end of the handle portion of the swab device to measure the saliva collected therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quality control method for a Chinese patent drug, and specifically relates to an identification method and a content measurement method for the pediatric compound Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli chewable tablet. Identification is carried out by using specific thin-layer chromatographic identification conditions, and the content is measured by using specific high-performance liquid chromatographic conditions. Accordingly, the specificity and the accuracy are high, chemical components of the product can be fully reflected, the sensitivity is high, the reproducibility is high, the operations are simple, and the change condition of the product quality can be reflected more objectively, comprehensively and sensitively, so that the product quality is controlled on the whole, and comprehensive monitoring of the quality of the Chinese Drug is implemented.

Abstract: A thin-layer chromatography method for detection and identification of common military and peroxide explosives in samples includes the steps of provide a reverse-phase thin-layer chromatography plate; prepare the plate by marking spots on which to deposit the samples by touching the plate with a marker; spot one micro liter of a first standard onto one of the spots, spot one micro liter of a second standard onto another of the spots, and spot samples onto other of spots producing a spotted plate; add eluent to a developing chamber; add the spotted plate to the developing chamber; remove the spotted plate from the developing chamber producing a developed plate; place the developed plate in an ultraviolet light box; add a visualization agent to a dip tank; dip the developed plate in the dip tank and remove the developed plate quickly; and detect explosives by viewing said developed plate.

Abstract: A hydration sensor or sensing element configured to measure the hydration level of a user is disclosed. The sensing element can include a water-permeable material positioned in between two water-impermeable material. The sensing element can be coupled to a bottle of fluid, or a carrier with a timer. The sensing element can be incorporated into a handheld device. The sensing element can be a disposable element, an element applicable for more than one-time use, or a re-usable element. The sensing element or sensor can be calibrated for a specific user or a group of users. One or more additional sensors that do not measure hydration level of the user can be coupled to a hydration sensing element to determine the amount of fluid consumption for the user in different conditions.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting analytes in a test sample. Embodiments include methods for quantitatively detecting analytes within a range of concentrations. In an embodiment the method includes a lateral flow test strip with multiple test areas for capturing a labeled receptor to provide a detectable signal.

Abstract: A device to enhance sealing is provided. The device includes a body and a pressure cup. The pressure cup includes a channel, a first pressure channel, and a second pressure channel. The channel is formed in a surface of the body to surround a first portion of the surface. The channel is configured to hold an o-ring. The first pressure channel extends through the body and opens into the first portion of the surface. The second pressure channel extends through the body and opens into the channel. Pneumatic pressure within the second pressure channel is controlled to hold the o-ring in the channel when a second pressure within the first pressure channel changes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lateral flow capillary device and uses thereof comprising a unipath bibulous capillary flow matrix and at least two reservoirs each in fluid communication with the capillary flow matrix wherein a reservoir contacts the capillary flow matrix through a passage having a rim pressing the matrix. The pressure that the rim applies on the matrix prevents leakage of liquids out of the capillary flow matrix at the reservoir/ matrix interface, allowing accurate sequential draining of liquid from the reservoirs.

Abstract: A method of estimating the amount of unreacted starting materials (glycerides, methyl esters, etc.) and the composition of a biodiesel using TLC in conjunction with a lipophilic dye, Nile Red is described herein. The dye based TLC method of the present invention is convenient and provides significant advantages over existing methods for estimating the purity of a biodiesel composition.

Abstract: Described herein is an analyte detection device and method related to a portable instrument suitable for point-of-care analyses. In some embodiments, a portable instrument may include a disposable cartridge, an optical detector, a sample collection device and/or sample reservoir, reagent delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, one or more channels, and/or waste reservoirs. Use of a portable instrument may reduce the hazard to an operator by reducing an operator's contact with a sample for analysis. The device is capable of obtaining diagnostic information using cellular- and/or particle-based analyses and may be used in conjunction with membrane- and/or particle-based analysis cartridges. Analytes, including proteins and cells and/or microbes may be detected using the membrane and/or particle based analysis system.

Abstract: A device for the chromatographic detection of a substance provides an improved reproducible measuring process. A monitoring indicator (6) is provided, which is designed to detect the relative position of a test strip (13) in relation to the direction of the force of gravity, wherein a processor unit (8) generates a shut-off signal or interruption signal for the process control system (7) if a limit value is exceeded.

Abstract: Methods of performing confocal laser microscopy on a polymer array disposed on a silicon wafer substrate, the method comprising the steps of providing a silicon wafer substrate having a top side and a bottom side, coating the top side of the silicon wafer with an oxide coating to provide an oxide coated wafer, covalently coupling a plurality of probes to the top side of the coated wafer to provide a fixed polymer array, hybridizing the fixed polymer array with a plurality of labeled ligands, and assaying for one or more hybridized ligands using confocal laser fluorescence microscopy to detect hybridization are provided.

Abstract: A method and a device for collection and assay of oral fluids are disclosed. The method places an assay device into an oral cavity, removes the device, and determines the presence or absence of an analyte. The assay device comprises an assay portion housing a lateral flow assay strip, a neck portion extending from the assay portion and forming a channel for fluid delivery to the assay strip; a collection strip in fluid communication with the lateral flow assay strip; and a blocking strip coupled between and in flow communication with the lateral flow assay strip and the collection strip. The channel is defined by a narrow part proximal to the assay portion and a part which receives oral fluid and has a substantially wider channel width. The collection strip has a first portion disposed within the channel and a second portion protruding outwardly from the neck opening.

Abstract: A method for rapid collection and assay of oral fluids is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of: (a) placing an assay device into an oral cavity, (b) removing said assay device from said oral cavity; and (c) determining the presence or absence of at least one analyte.

Abstract: A method of estimating the amount of unreacted starting materials (glycerides, methyl esters, etc.) and the composition of a biodiesel using TLC in conjunction with a lipophilic dye, Nile Red is described herein. The dye based TLC method of the present invention is convenient and provides significant advantages over existing methods for estimating the purity of a biodiesel composition.

Abstract: Methods of defining a standard for a traditional medicine are provided. A method can comprise obtaining at least two samples of the traditional medicine that have been authenticated by qualitative profiling as representing a control positive; quantitatively profiling each of the at least two samples using at least two physicochemical analyses; blending the at least two samples to form the standard; and creating a quantitative profile for the standard using at least two physicochemical analyses, wherein the quantitative profile for the standard defines the standard. Methods of certifying a test sample of a traditional medicine are also provided. A method can comprise creating a quantitative profile for the test sample using at least two physicochemical analyses; providing a standard; and comparing the quantitative profile for the standard to the quantitative profile for the test sample. A certified traditional medicine comprises a traditional medicine certified by these methods.

Abstract: A system for analysis of explosives. Samples are spotted on a thin layer chromatography plate. Multi-component explosives standards are spotted on the thin layer chromatography plate. The thin layer chromatography plate is dipped in a solvent mixture and chromatography is allowed to proceed. The thin layer chromatography plate is dipped in reagent 1. The thin layer chromatography plate is heated. The thin layer chromatography plate is dipped in reagent 2.

Abstract: Methods for testing the chromatography type and/or the integrity of a chromatography membrane or monolith, preferably, for testing the chromatography type and integrity of a chromatography device comprising a chromatography membrane or chromatography monolith while the membrane or monolith is sealed in a housing, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for quantitation of glycated protein in a biological sample using a solid support matrix by making a first bound protein measurement total bound protein under conditions where both glycated and non-glycated protein bind to the support in making a second bound protein measurement under conditions where glycated protein is bound to the support and non-glycated protein is not substantially bound. Diagnostic devices and kits comprising the methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A device for the chromatographic detection of a substance provides an improved reproducible measuring process. A monitoring indicator (6) is provided, which is designed to detect the relative position of a test strip (13) in relation to the direction of the force of gravity, wherein a processor unit (8) generates a shut-off signal or interruption signal for the process control system (7) if a limit value is exceeded.

Abstract: A thin-layer chromatography method for detection and identification of common military and peroxide explosives in samples includes the steps of provide a reverse-phase thin-layer chromatography plate; prepare the plate by marking spots on which to deposit the samples by touching the plate with a marker; spot one micro liter of a first standard onto one of the spots, spot one micro liter of a second standard onto another of the spots, and spot samples onto other of spots producing a spotted plate; add eluent to a developing chamber; add the spotted plate to the developing chamber; remove the spotted plate from the developing chamber producing a developed plate; place the developed plate in an ultraviolet light box; add a visualization agent to a dip tank; dip the developed plate in the dip tank and remove the developed plate quickly; and detect explosives by viewing said developed plate.

Abstract: A device for collecting and transporting aqueous fluid from the oral cavity to a lateral chromatographic strip for test is disclosed. The lateral chromatographic strip is placed within and extend along a cavity defined in a housing. At least one inspection site to the lateral chromatographic strip is provided to enable inspection of selected sites on the lateral chromatographic strip for test results. A porous wick material protrudes from the housing to a collection site exterior of the housing at one end and communicates to the lateral chromatographic strip at the other end. The porous wick material has particulate construction, the particles adsorbing aqueous oral fluid to transport the fluid from the mouth to the lateral chromatographic strip without substantial absorption. The particles of the porous wick material are bound together to define a continuous interstitial volume for the flow of oral fluid to be transported and are treated to be hydrophilic to the adsorbed oral fluids.

Abstract: An interactive system is provided with at least one active surface of plastic from monomers containing at least one structural element derived from a carbon dioxide (A), and at least one substance associated to a linker with at least one structural element (B) capable of establishing a hydrogen bond, and involving an interaction between the structural elements (A) and (B). The interactive system is suitable for presenting and eliminating substances in liquids.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating and/or preventing a pregnancy related disease or disorder are provided. The methods involve administration of 2-methoxyestradiol, or an analog thereof, to a subject. Also provided are methods for diagnosing or predicting a pregnancy related disease or disorder The methods involve detection of 2-methoxyestradiol, or a precursor or metabolite thereof.

Abstract: Methods for metabolomically determining the biological affects of compounds are described.

Abstract: A visual perception of a colored site in an immunoassay device comprising a strip for enabling capillary migration of a fluid sample therealong, a labeled reagent disposed on the strip and formulated for suspension in the sample migrating therepast and a captive reagent immobilized on the strip in a path of sample migration and formulated to bind to is enhanced by changing a color of the strip to the color which is complimentary to the colored site.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining a ratio of an amount of a glycated form of a protein to a total amount of the protein in a sample containing the glycated protein, the glycosylated protein, or the glycoprotein. The method incorporates lateral flow test strip or vertical flow test strip devices having negatively charged carboxyl or carboxylate groups and hydroxyboryl groups immobilized and interspersed on a solid support matrix. The solid support matrix may include derivatives of cellulose (e.g., carboxy cellulose) derivatized with carboxylic acid (e.g., carboxylate, carboxyl) groups and hydroxyboryl compounds including phenylboronic acid (e.g., phenylborate), aminophenylboronic acid, boric acid (e.g., borate), or other boronic acid (e.g., boronate) compounds. The present invention is usefi.il for monitoring glycation or glycosylation of hemoglobin or albumin for monitoring glycemic control (e.g., glycemia in diabetes).

Abstract: A universal test apparatus for detecting tuberculosis (TB) in any of many different species of non-primate mammals is provided. The universal test apparatus includes a test site having a mycobacterial antigen cocktail comprising ESAT-6/CFP10 and 16 kDa/MPB83 polyfusion antigens, and a tracer having the ESAT-6/CFP10 polyfusion antigen and MPB83 antigen conjugated to latex or colloidal gold. The universal test apparatus is effective across genuses, families and orders of non-primate mammals.

Abstract: A device for collecting and transporting aqueous fluid from the oral cavity to a lateral chromatographic strip for test is disclosed. The lateral chromatographic strip is placed within and extend along a cavity defined in a housing. At least one inspection site to the lateral chromatographic strip is provided to enable inspection of selected sites on the lateral chromatographic strip for test results. A porous wick material protrudes from the housing to a collection site exterior of the housing at one end and communicates to the lateral chromatographic strip at the other end. The porous wick material has particulate construction, the particles adsorbing aqueous oral fluid to transport the fluid from the mouth to the lateral chromatographic strip without substantial absorption. The particles of the porous wick material are bound together to define a continuous interstitial volume for the flow of oral fluid to be transported and are treated to be hydrophilic to the adsorbed oral fluids.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to the measurement of elastic fiber breakdown products in human sputum obtained from patients with emphysema and other lung diseases. Measurement of elastic fiber breakdown products may be used to monitor the progression of lung disease or to assess the efficacy of a treatment for lung disease. Such breakdown products are associated with lung injury resulting from degradation of lung elastic fibers. This process may occur in emphysema and other inflammatory disease of the lung where excess amounts of elastase are secreted by inflammatory cells. The methods for measuring elastin breakdown products in certain tissue fluids (i.e. blood, urine, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) are well known to the art but have not been previously applied to sputum samples. The use of sputum has several advantages over other fluids, including greater specificity and ease of procurement.

Abstract: To provide a simple examination method of buffer capacity of saliva without influence by examiner's subjectivity and an examination instrument to carry out suitably the examination method, an examination instrument, in which two to ten kinds of chemical liquids each containing a pH indicator having a transition interval within a pH range of 3.0 to 7.0 and capable of easily discriminating its indicated color at two or more stages and an acid in an amount so as to exhibit a different pH value within a pH range of 1.5 or more but lower than 3.0 when water in the same amount as that of saliva to be examined is added at a temperature of 25° C.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive system comprising at least one active surface of plastic from monomers containing at least one structural element derived from a carbon dioxide (A), and at least one substance associated to a linker with at least one structural element (B) capable of establishing a hydrogen bond, and involving an interaction between the structural elements (A) and (B). That interactive system is suitable for presenting and eliminating substances in liquids.

Abstract: The invention relates to an analytical chromatographic method which comprises the steps of: a) providing a membrane type flow matrix attached to a liquid-impervious backing, which flow matrix permits a capillary force assisted lateral fluid flow therethrough, and at least a part of which flow matrix contains ion-exchange functions; b) treating the flow matrix to reduce or eliminate unspecific adsorption properties of the flow matrix; c) applying to the flow matrix a sample containing at least two components; d) initiating a first lateral flow of aqueous fluid to transport the sample through the flow matrix and separate said components therein; e) interrupting the lateral flow; and either f1) detecting at least one of the separated components on the flow matrix in the position reached by the respective component when the flow was interrupted; or f2a) initiating a second flow of aqueous fluid to transport the components in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of the first lateral flow; f2b)

Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: A method for sequentially performing a synthesis, separation and screening of chemical entities, especially a combinatorial library, is described. The method utilises a bulk of a stationary phase (e.g. silica gel, aluminium oxide, cellulose, etc. for example arranged on a backing) for the performance of the synthesis, separation and screening. The technique described enables a rapid route from synthesis to the testing of chemical compounds. Screening can be performed without need for reaction work-up. Preferred screening methods are those used to determine the biological activity of the compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assay for testing oxidative stress of a subject by measurement of oxidants in biological fluids such as urine, plasma, bioreactor medium and respiratory aspirants. There is provided a method of determining oxidative stress in a mammalian subject. The method comprises: obtaining a sample of a biological fluid from the subject; mixing the biological fluid with a ferrous reaction reagent; incubating the biological fluid and the reaction reagent; and detecting a colored reaction product. There is further provided a ferrous reaction reagent suitable for use in assaying oxidative stress, said reaction reagent comprising 2-deoxyglucose, TBA, EDTA, and ferrous sulfate, and being substantially free of ascorbic acid.

Abstract: Amlodipine aspartate and amlodipine maleamide are used as reference standards or markers in determining the purity of amlodipine maleate substances and products.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for screening an array of test compounds for bioactivity by contacting an array of test compounds with a detector layer capable of detecting bioactivity, and detecting a detector layer response. The detector layer is comprised of physiologically viable cells. The method and apparatus allow a large number of test compounds to be simultaneously assayed in parallel without the need for complex fluidic devices.

Abstract: A method, system and kit for detecting the presence of an analyte includes placing a solution containing the analyte in a microcapillary tube and placing the microcapillary tube in contact with a layer of sorbent material so that the solution is withdrawn from the microcapillary tube by capillary action. A detector reagent which has been pre-deposited on the sorbent material indicates the presence of the analyte. The sorbent material, detector reagent, and the solvent for the analyte solution are selected so that the solvent is absorbed into the sorbent material and the analyte is adsorbed by the sorbent material and concentrated at the spot where the detector reagent has been pre-deposited and where the microcapillary tube contacts the sorbent material.

Abstract: A highly sensitive and specific method for the detection and quantification of lipids is provided. Specifically, methods for the simultaneous detection and quantification of phospholipids extracted from mammalian tissues is described. The analytical methods provided disclose a modified one-dimensional thin-layer chromatography technique specifically developed to rapidly and accurantely detect and quantify phospholipids from mammalian cardiac tissues.

Abstract: A sample separation apparatus including a porous, or rough, capillary column. The porous capillary column includes a matrix which defines pores, and may be formed from a material such as porous silicon. Alternatively, the capillary column may have a rough surface of hemispherical grain silicon. The capillary column is defined in a surface of a substrate, such as silicon. The sample separation apparatus may include a stationary phase or a capture substrate disposed on the surfaces thereof. The sample separation apparatus may also include a detector positioned proximate the capillary column. A variation of the sample separation apparatus includes an electrode proximate each end of the capillary column. The sample separation apparatus may be employed to effect various types of chromatographic separation, electrophoretic separation, and analyte identification.

Abstract: To provide an examination method of buffer capacity of saliva and an examination instrument of buffer capacity of saliva, by which the buffer capacity of saliva of a subject can be examined simply without being influenced by an amount of saliva and preciously without being influenced by the subjectivity of an examiner, an end portion of an absorptive material in a predetermined shape, containing a pH indicator at least having one or more color transition range of pH 4.0 to 7.0 and an acid, is dipped in saliva to allow the saliva to penetrate into the absorptive material, and a buffer capacity of the saliva is examined from a distance where a color to be exhibited by the pH indicator has changed by the penetrated saliva from a predetermined place of the absorptive material and a distance where the saliva has penetrated from a predetermined place of the absorptive material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chromatography device comprising:

Abstract: Long wavelength, narrow emission bandwidth fluorecein dyes are provided for detecting specially overlapping target substances. The dyes comprise 4,7-dichlorofluoresceins, and particularly 2′,4′,5′,7′-tetrachloro-4,7-dichloro-5-(and 6-) carboxyfluoresceins. Methods and kits for using the dyes in DNA analysis are provided.

Abstract: This-layer chromatography is used to separate, identify and quantity hydrophobic protein, hydrophobic protein fragment, hydrophobic modified protein and hydrophobic peptide. A method is thus provided for determination of proteins and peptides which, due to their low solubility in an aqueous solvent system, cannot be determined by conventional methods, such as ELISA, which are based on aqueous solvent systems.

Abstract: This-layer chromatography is used to separate, identify and quantify hydrophobic protein, hydrophobic protein fragment, hydrophobic modified protein and hydrophobic peptide. A method is thus provided for determination of proteins and peptides which, due to their low solubility in an aqueous solvent system, cannot be determined by conventional methods, such as ELISA, which are based on aqueous solvent systems.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that it can be desirable to have a sample receiving chamber integral to or engageable with a test platform, such as a test platform that includes a test strip. The sample receiving chamber is preferably separate or separable from the test platform, but that need not be the case. Preferably, a fluid flow actuating device or structure, such as a valve separates the sample receiving chamber from the test platform. The present invention provides such a device and methods of use. A first aspect of the present invention is a test device that includes a sample receiving chamber and a test platform that preferably includes a test element. The sample receiving chamber preferably engages the test platform and is optionally separable therefrom. A second aspect of the present invention is a method of detecting an analyte in a sample, including: providing a sample, contacting the sample with a test device and detecting the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A method for purifying factor VIII/vWF complex or free vWF by immunoaffinity chromatography in a form suitable for use as a medicament. Factor VIII/vWF complex or free vWF is recovered from an immunoaffinity adsorbent by using an eluting agent containing a zwitterionic species. The presence of the zwitterionic species allows for the use of mild conditions throughout the preparation, facilitating retention of molecular integrity, activity, and incorporation of the recovered proteins into pharmaceutical preparations without the need for additional stabilizers or preservatives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved specific binding assay devices comprising a chromatographic medium including a reaction site at which a specific binding reagent is immobilized, a sample application well located adjacent to the chromatographic medium and offset upstream from the reaction site, and liquid absorption blotter offset downstream from the reaction site.